This Week in Retail: NFL Season Kicks Off, Boosting Protein Demand

The unofficial end of summer is in the rearview mirror and the National Football League season kicks off today with a game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Football viewing parties along with tailgating provide additional opportunities for consumers to gather and celebrate game day with finger foods and protein-centric meals like burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and of course—wings. Football season increases foot traffic at both the meat case and prepared foods sections in the supermarket as eager fans stock up on favorites while cheering for their teams. 

While pumpkin-flavored everything is already making headlines, many parts of the country are still enjoying warm weather. Some households may continue to barbeque outdoors, aiding in prolonged support for grilling cuts in the near term...

ANALYSIS: July Pork in Cold Storage Breakdown

July’s USDA Cold Storage report, released on August 23^rd, showed that while progress was made in restocking the freezers for a couple of categories of cuts, there are still...

This Week in Retail: Prepping for Labor Day; Pork and Beef Indices Forge Record Highs  

Labor Day weekend – a symbolic end of summer – is sadly within reach for families scrambling to fit in one last vacation before school resumes. For some college students, the fall semester has already begun. Among retailers, the Labor Day holiday is widely viewed as the last major grilling weekend of the year.

Grocery stores could see an uptick in foot traffic as parents restock on school staples like breakfast and lunch foods. Typically, aside from back-to-school demand and Labor Day grilling opportunities, the meat case takes a back seat in mid to late August. This year, however, beef and pork appear well-positioned to remain in the spotlight despite a traditional period of seasonal... 

ANALYSIS: Pork Ribs Looming Near Historical Highs

Demand on all three fronts; retail, foodservice, and exports combined with labor constraints, diminished slaughter, and limited freezer stocks has supported...

ANALYSIS: March Pork Cold Storage Remains Lackluster

According to the March cold storage report from the USDA, total pork in cold storage was 26.8 percent below a year ago and noted...

Quaker Steak & Lube Introduces New, Limited-Time Menu Items

With the weather heating up and the days getting longer, it can only mean one thing: a much-needed summer is right around the corner. To celebrate, Quaker Steak & Lube is introducing a brand-new "All-American Summer" menu complete with its twists on classic BBQ favorites and seasonal-inspired cocktails.

Here is the food lineup Quaker Steak & Lube will feature on its All-American Summer menu...

ANALYSIS: Pork Ribs Soar into April

Pork ribs traditionally witness a rally starting in April which extends into the summer months as increased demand for grilling reaches its peak. This year however...

ANALYSIS: Pork Cold Storage Lingers at Low Levels

Total pork cold storage continues to linger around decade lows, creating a tight supply condition and a base layer of price support for a number of...